About the opportunity
The Library of the Ruhr Area (Bibliothek des Ruhrgebiets) was opened in 1999 in downtown Bochum, bringing together three specialized libraries: the Library of the Institute for Social Movements at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, the former Mining Library in Essen, and the library of the former Industrial Union of Mining and Energy in Bochum. With nearly 500,000 volumes, it is one of Germany’s largest specialized libraries focusing on the history and present of the Ruhr region and other heavy industrial areas, as well as the history, theory, and sociology of social movements worldwide. The university is seeking a flexible Library Assistant to support daily operations, user services, and collection maintenance.
Salary and benefits
- Extensive training and continuing education opportunities
- Diverse sports program with around 100 sports and a university gym
- Discounts on bicycle rentals and purchases
- 30 days of annual vacation
- Paid time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
- Annual special payment (bonus)
- Company pension scheme
- Challenging and varied tasks with high personal responsibility
- Qualified onboarding and collaboration in a dedicated, appreciative team
- Easily accessible workplace located on the edge of downtown Bochum
Who can apply?
- Completed training as a Specialist for Media and Information Services (Fachangestellte/r für Medien- und Informationsdienste) specializing in libraries, or an equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of library management systems (experience with Alma is an advantage)
- Basic application-oriented IT skills (MS Office)
- Strong service orientation
- Very good German language skills are required (English skills are an advantage)
- Ability to work in a team, resilience, and enthusiasm
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Tabular resume (CV)
- Certificates (e.g., employment references, graduation certificates, training certificates)
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 1, 2026
- Anticipated start date: January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter
How to apply
- Prepare your application documents, including a cover letter, tabular CV, and relevant certificates.
- Submit your application online through the official Ruhr-Universität Bochum application portal.
- Ensure you quote the reference number (ANR) 6218 in your application.
Additional information
- The position is full-time (39.83 hours per week) and permanent.
- Employment is subject to the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States (TV-L), with salary classification in pay group E6 TV-L.
- The place of work is Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
- Travel, accommodation, or other application-related expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You have completed formal training as a library assistant (FaMI) or possess equivalent practical experience in library operations.
- You enjoy direct customer service, managing user accounts, and working at a service desk.
- You are looking for a stable, permanent public sector position with comprehensive benefits and structured pay.
What should you think carefully about?
- Very good German language skills are strictly required, as the primary working language and user base are German-speaking.
- The role involves physical tasks such as retrieving and shelving books (stack service) and shelf maintenance.
- Interview-related travel and accommodation expenses will not be reimbursed by the university.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent fit for library professionals seeking long-term career stability in a major German research university. It offers a permanent contract, structured public sector pay (TV-L E6), and robust continuing education opportunities, making it ideal for establishing a secure career in academic and specialized library services.
Our take
This position is highly recommended for qualified library specialists (FaMIs) fluent in German who want a permanent, full-time role in a specialized academic library. It is less suitable for those without formal library training or those who do not speak fluent German.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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